Patients and staff 'failed' by 'horrific' waiting times

Less than two-thirds of patients in accident and emergency (A&E) units were seen within the four-hour target time in the most recent week, figures show.

- CRAIG PATON, PA SCOTLAND

Data released by Public Health Scotland yesterday shows 62.1 per cent of attendances in the week to January 18 were seen and subsequently admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours-up from 59 per cent the previous week.

The Scottish Government aims to ensure 95 per cent of people are seen within that time - a target which has not been hit since the early months of the covid pandemic.

Of those who attended A&E in the most recent week, 8.5 per cent waited longer than 12 hours, down from 10.7 per cent, while 16.3 per cent waited more than eight hours; a reduction from 19.2 per cent.